Solid swim; wanted to beat 15 minutes and smoked that goal. Didn't feel like it was going to be that way because I got a little winded during the early scrum and was concerned that would impact me the rest of the way. But I didn't see anybody from the group behind me until almost the turn back home, which is later than I normally would. Stuck with my basic strategy (10-12 strokes, then up to doggie paddle a bit to sight and catch my breath), and I kept that up until I started to feel dirt under my fingernails near the swim exit. The breathing intervals were longer than I wanted, because I'd gotten winded early, but I kept swimming and I guess kept more or less on line. After the turn for home, I had to belch a few times, which is a sure sign I did some gasping along the way, so need to keep relaxed more in the water. Pretty sure I saw a fish below me at one point, a first for one of these swims.

Try to keep a little calmer, even if it means swimming a little slower, early until everyone sorts themselves out.

Love having wetsuit strippers on hand, makes it so easy. Longer T1 because there's about a quarter-mile run up to the transition area, plus getting on the ground for the strippers. I also chose to put socks on in T1, had to sit down to do that and they went on a little slow. Given all of this, surprised T1 wasn't longer.

Nothing.

Solid bike, pretty pleased. Still frustrated I can't go faster than 18mph, but I'm certainly good with this. Maintained a relatively consistent pace, I think, and tried to take it easier on the hills, particularly the two that were longer and steeper; actually dropped to the small ring for those. Great day for a ride through some pretty country; got some queer looks from some of the local horses, who probably don't see this kind of activity every day. Road and shoulder surface were pretty much terrible most of the ride.

Nothing; good ride.

Decent T2. One of my shoes didn't cooperate too well going on, which took a little longer. But going with bungee laces to save the tying time is good.

Nothing. OK transition given I'm not riding and running sockless.

Fell just shy of breaking the 10:00 pace mark, quite frustrating, but this was at least a much better run than in my two previous races. Knee was "there" but not like it has been. After 12 minutes I implemented a 1/2//3/2/1 strategy, pushing hard-ish for the interval, then jogging easily for an equal interval. Part of the three-minute interval was uphill, so that made it slower than I'd hoped. Hardest part was the first half mile, just getting legs going. Walked through the water stops so I could throw some water down, and for a few seconds during some of the rest intervals.

Just gotta keep pushing, remember even a little walking can mess up the time.

Walked around and relived the race with J3, cut up with TSW and her brother. Took high fives for completing my 50th tri. Discussed breakfast plans


Run was the culprit here. Still don't feel fully trained there, but still a pretty good race. And a solid result for my 50th event.


Great event for DAR, my second year in a row doing this; they just do a great job and bring a really fun "let's celebrate life and living" vibe to their events. Pretty accommodating too. TSW asked the announcer if he could give me a shout out for this being my 50th triathlon, and he was happy to do it. Even added a comical bit about TSW looking for me to repay her for all of the race fees over the years.